Monday, August 27, 2012

I was shocked that I was shortlisted again this year. Probably more shocked than last year, I was ever so grateful last year. I didn't even bother to put up the badge to say, vote for me so when I was shortlisted it amazed me that so many people thought I was that good to be nominated as best established beauty blog. It gave me a chance to go & meet so many fabulous other bloggers that I've never had the opportunity to do before.

I've been blogging a long time, 4 years this October and I really do enjoy it 95% of the time. I enjoy taking my time to really find out if a product works and show you my results, I never want to sugarcoat my reviews and I find pictures speak louder than words - case [1]

Sharing my passion of natural, organic skincare is important to me. I'm sharing what I love & what I've found out about oils that you can pick up in health stores or eBay and it has more multiple benefits or uses than most things on the market.
Yet don't be confused, I do still love things that have more than one ingredient. It's taking the time to learn and know what's in those containers that's important.

Bringing you things that others wouldn't dare share & having my mum and dad questioning me as to why I'm sharing such things as the Vajacial - case [2] & [3] cos to me it's important so share things like that. Might not be for everybody but I'm a beauty blog and beauty in my eyes is various things!

There's one topic I haven't touched on in a while because it can be not one for everybody but my mental illness. If you've been with my blog from 2008-2010 it was documented quite a bit, most post have been deleted but I did share a lot of the main reasons I started this blog - case [4] and being diagnosed with anxiety, agoraphobia & manic-depression which is commonly known as bipolar disorder was one of them.

My battle with my weight from dealing with that is something I've touched upon. I went from a size 8-10 to a now size 14 and when you feel uncomfortable within yourself it doesn't help many other factors. So I started to talk about my weight on here and on another blog - case [5] ( I don't use it as much as I should)

I find blogging such a outlet.

Having this blog made me realise more what I wanted to do with my life, even though at times I feel I'm at that crossroads, I took the opportunity and went and done a make-up course at AOFM - case [6] & [7]. Never have I regretted that in a minute. The make-up artists we were taught by, the things I learnt, the friends I made. It had to be the best weeks of my year.

Whatever your definition of beauty may be, your blog is yours to share & that's an accomplishment in itself.

I'm so thankful whenever one extra person tells me, they love my blog & explain why, it's so rewarding and the fact that once again you've got me to this point makes me grateful & ready for the 5th year of blogging.

I'd love it if you haven't already voted to do so : Cosmo Blog Awards in the Established Beauty Blog category, the competition is amass this year and I'm thankful to still be looked upon as worthy for a mention.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

You've all seen the buzz surrounding the new Sleek BB cream to be released in a few days (some stores probably have them on their shelves already, normally happens)

There is finally a brand that has catered to WOC in regards to BB cream. The way I do see it as BB creams originating from Asia, where the women tend to want to be lighter anyway, so not many BB creams are going to be catered for WOC.

Shameful that other brands who jumped onto the BB cream trend didn't notice this gap.

Did you know : Argan oil is also thought to be anti-Acne and good against chickenpox. Acne is an inflammatory disease in which red dots appear on skin.
It is also deemed to be Aphrodisiac. It increases sexual desire and ability in a person. Argan oil is most popular as an anti-aging agent. It prevents the degeneration of muscles, a natural process resulting from growing age.

This is no understatement, this body polish has to be one of the the best I've ever smelt. Yup, the best to me. Scents take me to a certain place and this takes me to a place of carefree & relaxation.

Creamier than other body polishes I've used and the exfoliating particles are smaller. I've been using this all over and in my vajacial routine. This has crushed olive stones & pumice which is combined with the unique Argan+ Synergy that helps remove dead skin cells to restore healthy skin which is radiant and soft.

I prefer dry oils than your ordinary ones. Not so greasy, easier to absorb into the skin. This one upon applying it had a spicy smell to it on the skin, not over bearing but to me one of the notes were spicy , it does have a similar smell to the polish minus that smell. By reading the ingredients they seem to have just about all the same ones but my body oil seems to have one a little bit more spice.

It does wear off and the scent I get with the body polish lingers, wouldn't honestly say it hydrates or moisturises the skin as much as I'd like it is meant to help stretch marks and uneven skintone. A little too early to say it's done that.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Women of colour & curly haired beauts are more prone to ingrown hairs and discolouration - sad but true and a pain in the A. So if we do at home hair removal especially we need to pay extra attention to the aftercare.

Ingrown hairs can often become irritated and infected due to the debris and dirt. To get rid of an ingrown hair is similar to that of a spot. Make sure the area is clean and gently exfloliate to remove ANY dead skin and get to work - it'll never be a pleasurable experience. Beauty is pain - one motto we surly live by.

Therefore if you have experienced any ingrown hairs after your last hair removal method - begin to tend to them to prevent them from coming back with a vengeance note - a professional Vajacial is performed a week after waxing. [Personally I would deal with any ingrown hairs 1-2 days pre-shave.]
I personally don't wax and we all know shaving grows back faster ( I haven't taken to epilating there just yet ) so if your a shaver the Vajacial will probably be performed earlier than a waxer.

For the last month I've taken to seeing if going these extra steps can be more beneficial.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

The world is made up of many fascinating countries, each with their own languages, beliefs – and beauty secrets. Pampering tips and techniques differ from place-to-place, so let’s check out some of the best from across the globe:

India

According to the Huffington Post, Indian brides rub turmeric and chickpea flower into their skin before their big day. This is thought to reduce any inflammations on the skin and is a great exfoliant and moisture-absorber.

Australia

Pawpaw ointment – made from pawpaw or papaya – is a popular beauty treatment in Australia and is used to cure sunburn, bites, rashes and dry skin. It can also soften the cuticles of the nails, so why not give it a go?

West Africa

Facial peels can reduce the signs of ageing, but many people in West Africa rely on Shea butter to do the job. This wonderful moisturiser softens and hydrates the skin and can even reduce stretch marks during pregnancy.

South America

Believe it or not, avocados can transform the way you look. They’re packed with antioxidants which protect the skin from free radicals and the avocado’s peel can exfoliate your complexion. What’s more, the juicy flesh can be turned into a nourishing face mask and is popular with South Americans.

Japan

The geishas and monks of Japan rely on bird poo to cleanse their face – but not any type of excrement. They use nightingale poop which is ground up and applied to the skin with rice bran – before being washed off. Tom Cruise is said to be a fan of this beauty tip, but would you give it a go?

UK

Did you know that bee venom facials are popular in the UK? Rumour has it that the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall are fans! This controversial product is thought to control the muscles in the face and is a pain-free alternative to Botox.

Plastic surgery is performed at many reputable clinics, but it seems natural products are also popular. Are there any strange beauty tips you have picked up from around the world that you use in your daily routine?

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Last week my Glossybox* arrived - wow I'm either doing these late or the months are passing me by way too fast. This month is the International Superstars box. Containing a product from varies countries:

imPRESS Press-On Manicure (£7.99+) Last time I tried press on nails was a few years back when I won some kiss nails goodie bag. Wouldn't say I'm hot on press ons but I think I will give them a go as I'm sure their less damaging then glue etc. - America

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (£18.50) Adore oil for the face as you may or may not know I tried the Oil Cleansing Method, which I really love. Simple, removes dirt and is easy enough. I did find that it's finding an oil balance. At some point I'm sure this will be used. - Japan

Lipcote (£3.99) I already have lipcote within my beauty collection. I do like this product having reviewed it here but probably won't be using it soon but it's handy to have about when you really do want that lipstick to stay put. - United Kingdom

Glossybox Lipstick (£9.50) I didn't agree with Glossybox when they put their make-up brush in a box a few months ago. Safe to say their launching their own range?! Yet it's a little cheeky including them in the boxes but smart from a business stand point. It's a nice colour, when I swatched it. Wouldn't say it's one I would buy. - GlossyBox

Alessandro Pro White (£7.85) Another product I'm wanting to try out. An anti-yellowing formula, designed to keep the nails white and gleaming. I hope this is the case, will look forward to trying it out. - Germany

Vera Valenti Eyeshadow Palette (£3.85) I HATED this as soon as I glanced upon it, picking it up the packaging felt like something I would of got from a market stall. The pigmentation wasn't bad but I was just really put off & disliked it. - Spain

2.5/6 products I'm happy with and would use. Got to say that palette for me was a real let down.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Here are some products I have tried & tested. Instead of doing a full blown review on each, I'll do a quick feature. Want to know more details on any of them, let me know in the comments. These feature good & bad reviews!

Witch Blemish Gel(£3.29)* : I got this in last years Cosmo Blog Awards goodie bag and it was inside that bag for a while and I decided to try it when my Good Things Stop That Spot ran out as a temporary replacement. This aqua 35ml plastic tube has a spa appeal to it, it contains witch hazel extract and is targeted more towards oily/combination skin. Which should be ideal for me. As soon as it's applied it's cool, it says to dab it on to the spot - so no need to rub it in. Testing how it does feel rubbed in, it doesn't dry taught or sticky. It absorbs well but I don't feel for my spots which are normally under the skin works very well. I didn't notice much help while using this.

Agadir Argan Oil - Moisture Masque(£22.08)* : Argan oil doesn't seem to be one of the things my skin or hair will ever reject. I bleach and dye my hair a lot so you can only imagine how I need to really treat it before and afterwards. Since April I've been using this rotated in my hair routine & I'm about 3/4 through the 8 fl oz tub. The smell is divine, it's thick in texture and reminds me of hair cream but once it's on let it do it's magic. This is a necessity for me ESPECIALLY after bleaching my hair and we all know how much bleaching takes out of hair.

Manuka Doctor Bee Venom Rejuvenating Face Mask(£49.99)* : Since I got this, I started to read how the Duchess of Cambridge is a fan of Bee Venom. This isn't an acne mask it's targeted for fine lines, wrinkles and with ongoing use can help fade scars. I had been using the foaming cleanser which was helping my skin keep clear. I like the feeling it gives my skin afterwards, smooth and refined. While using this and my vitamin E oil more my scars were fading. But if this is the only thing on my 24 year old skin that it helps, sticking to just Vitamin E oil might be the wisest choice pocket wise. This product is more aimed at women experiencing the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.

Long Curved Tweezers(£10.00) : These particular ones aren't available for public retail at the moment, I got them while at AOFM from Barbara Villasenor but if there are a pair of tweezers I keep with me - it's these. The way these are modelled it makes taking out rows of hair quicker. I do find these type of tweezers are going to be one of preference.

Save the Nail Bridge the Ridge Base Coat(£5.95) : I've continued to use this hoping that on the chance it works but for me it filled in no ridges. It sat in the ridges that I had which of course defeated the point, I used two coats just in case and no difference. Since I grew the ridges out it's just as pointless as when I first purchased it.

Soap & Glory Exfoliating Gloves(£4.00) : Exfoliating gloves, I go through these like a mad woman. Some are too rough on my skin, while others just suck. I decided to buy these, a little bit more than what I would normally buy exfoliating gloves for but if I'm to be honest, well worth it. They have yet to feel like a brillo pad on my skin but they do the job without making me feel peeled.

Monday, August 20, 2012

2005 was probably the last time I wore a clip on pony tail, well I say clip on it was a drawstring ponytail by Freetress, put your hair in a bun and then put the hair on, draw the string tight and then wrap it around and tuck it under.

Clip in ponytail extensions* come in 10 shades from black to mixed blonde / brown. Only available in 20 inches! When I got these from Clip Hair I noticed there a little different.

There is no drawstring but what it does have is one comb at the top, a lace net, a ribbon either side and extra pieces of hair at the side of the lace net.

The hair on top of the lace is used to wrap around the ribbon once tied to disguise it. What's also different about this ponytail is that the way it can be used is when your hair is in a ponytail this goes on top of your natural hair and blends in.

Now at the moment my hair is multicoloured and unless I dye the hair it won't blend in 100% so here is how I am using it at the moment.

Step One Put my hair into a bun: I lightly twist it around and loosely tie it around my hairband and pin it with grips. I don't want a big bun or a top knot because the hair when on won't sit as well. I want the appearance that my hair is in a ponytail. Step Two Position hair : Slid the comb on the hair piece onto my hair right by the bun.Step Three Securing it : Taking the ribbons on each side, I wrap that around and then tie it at the back.Step Four Hiding it : Those two hair pieces I mentioned earlier are now needed. I wrap those just like the ribbon and leave out at the back and it stays.Step Five Voilà : It's now complete and I have a new 20inch pony tail.

I think the next step with this hair is seeing how well it takes dye and heat.

So far since growing my nails last year [here] using OPI Nail Envy my nails around Sept - October started to break and Nail Envy wasn't working for me. I was then introduce to Nailtiques and that didn't help much either so I decided let me try the HG of nail strengtheners Dr.Lewinns Renunail and while it's helped slightly with length as soon as I take it off for the one day break I'm automatically faced with peeling and breaking - it's unbelievable.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

This is taken from my motivation into habit blog. www.motivationintohabit.blogspot.com

You may or may not of heard of Zaggora* so for those who have not let me introduce you to them:

The come in 5 different types of pants Viva Hotpants · Capri Flares · Flares · Hotpants · Nude Hotpants ( all can be viewed here )
Zaggora are pants that are made with Celu-Lite technology, this technology increases the body temperature while you're active to help you burn more calories faster during and after your workout. You don't have to just wear them while working out, you can be doing the house work or just pop them on underneath your clothes - I read some people even wear them to bed.

You will swear more as your core body temperature is increased by the hotpants. There's a two week Zaggora challenge that if you wear Zaggora Viva Hotpants throughout the two weeks and complete 3 - 30 minute workouts each week ( or during activities ) you could lose 2 jean sizes in 2 weeks - impressive and a HUGE claim.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

A few days ago I placed an order with Sleek MakeUP and picked a couple of products* being quite unsure on what to select I decided on 6 items that I would most likely need sometime soon.

Blush by 3 (£10.00)*: I received my first Blush by 3 back in March -Pink Sprint, I was in love with how vibrant this shade is. Over the last year peaches/corals have gripped me so it was only right that I picked up 'Lace' to try out. The two matte and one shimmer shades have the names Chantilly, Guipure and Crochet.

Blush (£4.49)*:When I first started taking make-up more seriously me & blush weren't very good friends. I found it more hard to apply and look right then anything else just because I didn't want to end up looking like a clown - now I can't do without it. Life's a Peach by Sleek is a subtle, light peach that can't go wrong. Once swatched it does remind me of pastel chalk.

Pout Paints (£4.99)*:Playing with Pout Paints is a secret past time of mine. It's so fun to make new shades and see how they look on yourself. Milkshake & Lava are the newest two to my collection. Lava is a red undertone orange that I just had to have, orange lips maybe overtaking my usual red uh-oh. Milkshake on the other hand is a coral pink which is slightly bright but can be toned down with the white pout paint cloud 9

Eau Eau Liner (£4.99)*:White eyeliner for me is just as much a necessity to me as a black one so I got White Noise alongside Canary Yellow after my success with getting yellow eyeshadow to appear bright on my eyes it's got me in a yellow mood and I want to try this as a future base.

This week I had the biggest urge to have pink hair lol, not just the tip - all over candy cotton pink. It hasn't been done, maybe I should just get into wigs.

No weekly weigh in as I haven't really been eating since taking ill especially as I can't chew so I've just been drinking through a straw, I have a feeling I've put on weight.

I've had some food for thought this week, being ill sometimes gives you time just to think and refocus on things. Only thing I like about being ill - my nan said to me today ' You really don't do being sick well ' ... I'm the worst, especially when it's one problem effecting multiple other places it's irritating.

After this I want to go to a spa all day, just be pampered and sleep lol.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Motives for La La has new products hitting the new line for Fall/Winter 2012 inspired by the roaring 20's. After being revealed at the Market America International Convention last weekend I want to share with you the new line :

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

I saw this via the The Beauty Gypsy and thought this was really cool and wanted to share it with you..

What is your acne telling you?

1 & 2: Digestive System — Eat less processed or junk food, reduce the amount of fat in your diet, step up water intake and opt for cooling things like cucumbers.

3: Liver — Cut out the alcohol, greasy food and dairy. This is the zone where food allergies also show up first, so take a look at your ingredients. Besides all this, do 30 minutes of light exercise every day and get adequate sleep so your liver can rest.

6: Heart — Check your blood pressure (mine was slightly high) and Vitamin B levels. Decrease the intake of spicy or pungent food, cut down on meat and get more fresh air. Besides this, look into ways to lower cholesterol, like replacing “bad fats” with “good fats” such as Omegas 3 and 6 found in nuts, avocados, fish and flax seed. Also, since this area is chock-full of dilated pores, check that your makeup is not past its expiry date or is skin-clogging.

7 & 8: Kidneys — Again, drink up! And cut down on aerated drinks, coffee and alcohol as these will cause further dehydration.

Zone 9 & 10: Respiratory system — Do you smoke? Have allergies? This is your problem area for both. If neither of these is the issue, don’t let your body overheat, eat more cooling foods, cut down on sugar and get more fresh air. Also keep the body more alkaline by avoiding foods that make the body acidic (meat, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, sugar) and adding more alkalizing foods like green veggies and wheatgrass juice. Another thing that most of forget – dirty cell phones and pillow cases are two of the top acne culprits and this area is what they affect the most!

Zone 11 & 12: Hormones — This is the signature zone for stress and hormonal changes. And while both are sometimes unavoidable, you can decrease their effect by getting adequate sleep, drinking enough water, eating leafy veggies and keeping skin scrupulously clean. Another interesting point: breakouts in this area indicate when you are ovulating (and on which side).

Zone 13: Stomach — Step up the fibre intake, reduce the toxin overload and drink herbal teas to help with digestion.

Zone 14: Illness — Zits here can be a sign that your body is fighting bacteria to avoid illness. Give it a break, take a yoga class, take a nap, take time to breathe deeply, drink plenty of water and know that everything always works out!

Monday, August 13, 2012

I've stopped doing 'guest posts' for awhile but I wanted to feature someone on my blog mainly because I love her to bits & since I've started my own lifestyle change there is on person who has continued to inspire me it's her. You can view celebrities daily and be in awe of how much weight they've lost so quickly but I don't feel they keep it real enough for me...I admire the woman who can keep it honest and tell you how it really is....

I call stef my baby boo & a real woman. Everything about her is real, from her life troubles to how she tells you the truth, when this woman is happy she's the second sun in California. There's no pretence, she don't cover up when it's hard, ish is hard. She has proven to me that when you want to change you have to work hard & it does pay....

Would you like to introduce yourself? Hi! 'ello! Hola! Im Stefanie from Ifcurvescouldtalk.com, Im a Leo, I like long walks to the fridge and every time I run, I hear claps...turns out my thighs are my biggest cheerleaders.

Why did you start blogging? I started blogging to help other women who are/were in my shoes to feel less alone. I was in a bad relationship with a man who did drugs and ended up getting physical with me, not to mention I was overweight, sad, and I didn't love myself. I was at a point where I wanted to die. So I started blogging. I was hoping to find women who can help me and in the end they did help me up, so I decided to return the deed. If I can save one life, my life on earth is complete.

Being a long time follower of your blog, I’ve seen your transition over the years – What is the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome? My biggest obstacle I have had to overcome is LOVING MYSELF. I am my own worst enemy and sometimes I will admit, I dont love myself. Its a struggle.

You have done amazingly well on your weight loss, what keeps you motivated? My motivation comes from different places. My mother who is on the weight loss journey too, my Zumba teach Daisy, my friends who love and support me, my readers, and most of all the size 24 pants I used to wear. They all remind me that I can and will continue to be on this journey and inspire me on a daily basis and keeps me motivated.

Are you currently on a weight loss program? I am on Weight Watchers

How long have you been working out – if so what are your favourite workouts? I barely started working out in 2011 when I felt it was comfortable for me. I did the whole gym thing and found it to be boring. I walked into a Zumba class and I have never left. My Zumba instructor Daisy not only pushes me and every body part of me to the limit, but she makes it feel as if I am in a room with friends dancing. It has done wonders for me.

What advice would you give anyone who wants to get fit & be healthy? Do it FOR YOU! You gotta do it for you or else it wont work. You have to be clear about your goal but be flexible about the process of achieving it.

I find diets pretty hard and I end up being quite miserable while on them – How do you look upon your eating habits? This is a LIFESTYLE for me. It is something I plan on doing for the rest of my life. Portion control and exercise....I cant imagine life without it. I know I am gonna have bad days. I also am gonna have great days! But I cant stress this enough to people who are losing weight....NEVER DEPRIVE YOURSELF! The more you deprive yourself, the more you will want it and then you will eat tons of it! I also NEVER use the word diet...I know once I say that, its bound to fall apart. The words DIET, CANT, AND WONT are not in my vocab when it comes to changing my eating habits. PORTION CONTROL IS KEY!

[I just took note, this is not a diet I've put myself on but a lifestyle change.]-laa

What is your definition of beauty? Beauty isnt something you can see. Its something you feel inside. I am a firm believer that beautiful people have beautiful hearts. At the end of the day, looks wont matter. What matters is how someone treats themselves and others.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I see myself having If Curves Could Talk help empower women and be able to go out and speak to teens and women who are dealing with what I have went through. I hope to have my book finished and being happy.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Isadora is a Swedish brand of cosmetics. A couple weeks ago I won a competition on Twitter to try their Dynamic Lash Mascara & Serum*, I have never used a lash serum before we all saw my results of RapidBrow so doing my lashes would be next in line.

Thicker, Stronger and longer lashes in just 4 weeks it claims to boost the lash length by 20% after 30 days.

You can use the mascara during the day in replacement of your normal everyday mascara and the serum as a night treatment. I don't really wear mascara daily if I don't need to so the serum all day and night seems a best bet for myself.

my eyebrows are not done lol - pass.

My lashes before...let's see what they look like in 15 days time (26th Aug) from today as they say I will notice a difference.

Have you heard of or used IsaDora cosmetics before? Or a eyelash serum?

Friday, August 10, 2012

Illamasqua - Mistress · Intense Lipgloss

Browsing the Debenhams website for my Grandmama's birthday present like a true addict does to the beauty department. (You just wouldn't believe the headache I experienced with Debenhams online) Currently with discounts nothing was catching my eye, not even the 'Well it is half price, might aswell' eye. That's until I saw Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss - Mistress. I do own a few orange / coral lipsticks and even mix up a few too but none in a lipgloss.

Looking at the swatch on site it come across to me as a red more than an coral orange but after viewing swatches on lips I went ahead I mean at £5.99 - could I go wrong? {maybe the might as well eye was present}

Arrives nearly a week after dispatch and as soon as I slide it out the packaging.....'Whoa!' & cue grin.

Intense is the word if we are going by just the look of the tube. Are appearances deceiving...

I took this picture with a flash and can see quite a resemblance to the online swatch (flash even gives me colour lol ) Below was taken by natural light. Where I can see more of the orange undertone coral.

Tell you the bonus about these not only can the intensity be built up but they aren't STICKY!! Ahh love.

Thursday, August 09, 2012

When I was sent Antiac*, I was at the time having very lucky streak with my skin and had no breakouts until recently. Believing this was the best time more than ever to try it out. Antiac is great for any of us who suffer from one or more of these problems :

Acne

White Heads

Black Heads

Pimples

Blemishes

Pimples & Blemishes are my nemesis. They seem to appear just after I've had a great spell with my skin and then with a vengeance they more time appear on the same side each time and no matter what - go down and scar. Antiac is Channel 4's Embarrassing Bodies Best Product - now what must say a lot have any of you watched that?

The main benefits of Antiac is to eliminate spots, pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Removes toxicity and protects skin cells, helps to balance our skins PH, aids the acne scar self healing process, acts as an anti-microbial agent & most important of all promotes a clear spot free complexion!

Monday, August 06, 2012

A little under a fortnight ago, I used Distilled Witch Hazel to tone my face in replacement of my Tea Tree Water that had run out. I woke up the next morning with under the skin bumps, it felt like a reptiles skin. It was horrible!

Over the course of the days I just continued my skin routine and the face started to flake. Putting on any sort of make-up was a no no.

Flaking, peeling & bumpy skin, what a confidence boost.

Taking my bum over to LUSH I needed a top up of goods and I knew I needed a exfoliant and face mask but what?

I'm honestly not a fan of LUSH's face masks only in part because of the smell. I don't doubt that they are excellent but when you cannot bare a smell it's not relaxing. You have to use their masks up quickly and I don't use products like a fiend to go through things so fast but I may have found one that turns me into one!

I decided to get my top up of Tea Tree Toner and Ultrabland and revisit Ocean Salt as my facial exfoliant & hunt a face mask down!

Love Ocean Salt, it was a first time purchase in late 2010 [featured here] it has to be the only exfoliant that after using my skin feels that much more smoother and cleaner. Fine sea salt, fresh grapefruit infusion, organic lime extracted in vodka, avocado butter, EVCO, lime oil...the gorgeous ingredients are endless and so safe. [purchase]

Oatifix I returned 5 LUSH pots and decided to try Oatifix - yup decided to try another LUSH face mask in the hope this would help the drying parts of my face where it was flaking and peeling. I'VE FOUND A FACE MASK I WANT TO EAT! This contains bananas - a very oily rich fruit which is great for dry skin. Illipe butter to help moisturise and oatmeal, ground almonds and kaolin bind the ingredients so it acts as a gentle scrub to lift dead skin away and leave the face looking brighter and to boot a soft scent based on vanilla. How soothing. [purchase]

Tea Tree Water Toner was first mentioned to me by Sharon from Sharon's MakeUp Diary I use to use The Body Shop Tea Tree line in High School also revisited the entire line again in 2010 but to no avail to my skincare routine. I've had no problem with this toner, doesn't make my skin feel dry and I love to sometimes pop it into the fridge to get an ever cooler spray after cleansing. [purchase]

Ultrabland this became my Babyface replacement which if anyone remembers was once a LUSH cleanser that they discontinued (best believe I have some stashed away lol) Babyface helped to clear up my face when I had a bad breakout. I was advised that Ultrabland was there replacement for it. Moving from one cleanser to another after it becomes your HG is disheartening but I've used Ultrabland in rotation with another cleanser and best believe when I say it takes off your heavy make-up and cleans your face - I MEAN SO. It's something I recommend to family I love it so much. [purchase]

Partly I enjoy finding new products, who doesn't want to find that skincare routine that's perfect and gives them the youth of life and perfect complexion but there's always that risk of your skin not taking to the products so for the month of August. I will only be using these as my primary skincare. Let's see how my skin takes heading into September.